China announced the successful launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) carrying a dummy warhead into the Pacific Ocean on Wednesday. The launch occurred at 08:44 local time (04:44 GMT), with the missile landing in the “expected sea areas.”

According to Chinese state media, the launch tested the performance of weapons and equipment and the training level of the troops, achieving the expected goals. China stated that “the launch was in line with international law and not directed against any country or target”.

Chinese state media said Beijing had “informed the countries concerned in advance”. However, their statement did not clarify the type and path of the missile or where in the “high seas of the Pacific Ocean” it fell.

However, Japan reported receiving “no notice” of the test launch. Typically, China’s nuclear weapon tests are conducted domestically, often in the Taklamakan Desert in Xinjiang. Therefore, this unconventional launch procedure has raised concerned among other countries.

This launch marks the first time since 1980 that China has tested an ICBM in international waters. The last similar test in May 1980 involved an ICBM flying 9,070 km and landing in the Pacific, supported by 18 Chinese naval ships. This test remains one of China’s largest naval missions.

China’s nuclear build-up has been a point of contention, particularly with the United States, which has criticized the opacity of China’s nuclear activities. In July, China stopped nuclear talks with the US over arms sales to Taiwan. The US claims China has over 500 operational nuclear warheads, including approximately 350 ICBMs.

Amid recent corruption scandals within the Rocket Force, China aimed to demonstrate normal operations at the highest military levels. The PLA Rocket Force, responsible for China’s conventional and nuclear missiles, has been assigned to modernize the country’s nuclear arsenal in response to advancements like enhanced U.S. missile defenses, improved surveillance, and stronger alliances. Last year, China replaced two leaders of the People’s Liberation Army’s Rocket Force unit due to corruption allegations.

Taiwan, which China claims as its territory, has reported increased Chinese military activities around the island over the past five years. On Wednesday, Taiwan’s defense ministry detected 23 Chinese military aircraft, including J-16 fighters and drones, conducting long-range missions around the island.

The ministry added it had also recently detected “intensive” Chinese missile firing and other drills, though it did not give details of where that took place. Taiwan has dispatched its own air and naval forces to monitor the situation, the ministry said.

North Korea’s Ballistic Missile Launch

Adding to the concerns were the recent test fires of North Korea’s new ballistic missile capable of carrying a 4.5 tonnage super-large conventional warhead. The test-fire was reportedly aimed at verifying its accuracy of hitting at a range of 320 km and the missile’s explosive power when loaded with the super-large warhead.

The tests seem to be linked to multiple missile-launches performed by North Korea on Wednesday as reported by Japan and South Korea. The country had also raised eyebrows across the world after unveiling a Uranium enriched facility after vowing to strengthen its nuclear arsenal.

The UN security council has imposed more than a dozen sanctions on North Korea to discourage the country’s nuclear and defense ambitions. However, this has not deterred the authoritarian country to chase their lofty goals. Kim Jong Un believes nuclear warfare to be key for his country’s survival amidst the development of its rivals.